Give Proteas hopeful Stubbs more playing time to shine

Big-hitting batsman Tristan Stubbs can play all three formats for the Proteas and isn’t just a T20 player, says coach Robin Peterson.

The 22-year-old Stubbs impressed on tour with SA A and Peterson credits his hard work beforehand.

Stubbs faced more deliveries on the tour in Sri Lanka than any other player.

STUBBS PUT IN THE HARD YARDS

“Firstly, I think he prepared well because at the IPL he was training his butt off,” Peterson told IOL Sport in an exclusive interview.

“When I was there in India, I could tell that he was working hard and the conversations I was having with the Mumbai Indians coaching staff in the background they told me he was putting in a lot of work.

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“Also, he was doing all this hard work in similar conditions, so I think he went to Sri Lanka very well prepared,” he added.

PROTEAS STAND TO BENEFIT

Just because Stubbs has seen his fortunes favoured in the shortest format of the game, doesn’t mean he should be boxed into that.

“I feel he’s been unfairly put in positions where people expect him to hit sixes every ball, he’s a lot better player than that,” said Peterson.

“I think he’s a modern player that can score quickly, absorb pressure, transfer pressure and as a coach you know that in the fourth innings when you have to chase, you’re always in with a chance with Stubbs at the crease.”

Peterson has plenty on his plate at the Warriors where he oversees the likes of Stubbs, Sine Qeshile, Jordan Hermann and Matthew Breetzke.

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Petersen believes these young cricketers need time to develop.

“You’ve got to take your time with these young guys,” said Peterson.

“Stubbs is young, he’s learning and is prepared to do his time and be patient and yet not let anything get him down mentally. Things have not gone his way and he’s had to go through some tough times over the last couple of months.

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“From a Warriors perspective, we were very clear with Tristan that he will play 4-Day cricket because we told him that he won’t learn much about himself playing T20 all the time. 4-Day cricket is where he will really develop, and these types of ‘A’ tours will really accelerate his growth.”